Update on local State Parks projects

Mendocino District Sector Superintendent Loren Rex has many irons in the fire as the state department welcomes its new director, retired Marine Corps Major General Anthony L. Jackson.

Amid all the statewide turmoil of investigations into the hidden funds and vacation buy-outs, locally, projects such as the Ten Mile Haul Road and Ten Mile dune restoration and blackberry removal on the Mendocino Headlands are under way. Rex continues to work on agreements with Point Cabrillo Light Keepers Association, Mendocino Area Parks Association and hosting a crew of Americorps workers.

A few updates:

State Parks plans to begin restoring the haul road between Pudding Creek Trestle and Ward Avenue. A public meeting is scheduled in Fort Bragg at Town Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to discuss the project and take public input.

According to Rex, blackberry removal on the Mendocino Headlands has made a noticeable difference in eliminating the problem of people sitting behind the Mendocino Presbyterian Church smoking pot. Before they were able to stay hidden amongst the over-growth.

Rex mentioned there is a shift in the homeless population that is creating more problems, such of assault, vandalism and aggression. A public meeting in Mendocino in January will be held to address this situation.

A team of 10 Americorps workers is visiting Mendocino County. They are teaming up with State Parks to perform many tasks, one of which is to update the maps for Montgomery Woods.